Where Christ is the Principle

Our History

St. Joseph Catholic School opened its doors in 1949. The Precious Blood Sisters were our first teachers, ministering 23 years. In 1971, the Sisters of the Congregation of the Humility of Mary began their ministry to students which continued for the next 18 years. Today we are extremely proud of our highly dedicated, spiritual, and talented teaching staff.

Our educational program includes Kindergarten through Eighth, in addition to an exceptional preschool program for three and four year olds. We also offer an alternative to Kindergarten within the preschool program; Developmental Kindergarten. This program is designed for those students who may miss the September 15th cut off date for Kindergarten enrollment, or for those families who simply elect to wait another year.

Our school offers numerous educational opportunities, some which are unique to St. Joseph`s.

Opportunities include:

New school-wide security system with buzzed only camera monitored entry

All classrooms host state of the art "SMART Boards"

Science Lab

Library Center

All students K-8 participate in our foreign language program (Spanish) twice a week

Also offered are Technology, Physical Education, Vocal Music and Art

All students attend and participate in a weekly school mass

Well-balanced hot lunch program, prepared in our own kitchen

Students participate in numerous special education activities such as the National Geography Bee, National History Day, the Stock Market Game and Science Bowls

Recently developed Zoology Team for Middle School students

Roundtrip busing for Ankeny, Altoona and surrounding Des Moines Area

Affordable Before and After School Program

A complete sports program affiliated with the other area parochial schools, including softball, volleyball, basketball, track and football.

Our mission, as well as that of the Diocese of Des Moines Schools, is to provide a meaningful educational experience for our children and adolescents, in an environment integrated with Gospel values which nurture faith, community, prayer and service. We believe that we provide a warm and caring environment for students and that they are challenged to learn the essential curriculum regardless of learning rate or style. We teach the value of human dignity and the concepts of peace and justice, which therefore enable our students to become involved participants in our global society.